APOCRYPHAL Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'apocryphal' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of apocryphal are fabulous , fictitious , legendary , and mythical . While all these words mean "having the nature of something imagined or invented," apocryphal implies an unknown or dubious source or origin or may imply that the thing itself is dubious or inaccurate. // a book that repeats many apocryphal stories

Q: When is 'fabulous' a more appropriate choice than 'apocryphal'?

In some situations, the words fabulous and apocryphal are roughly equivalent. However, fabulous stresses the marvelous or incredible character of something without necessarily implying impossibility or actual nonexistence. // a land of fabulous riches

Q: When can 'fictitious' be used instead of 'apocryphal'?

The synonyms fictitious and apocryphal are sometimes interchangeable, but fictitious implies fabrication and suggests artificiality or contrivance more than deliberate falsification or deception. // fictitious characters

Q: Where would 'legendary' be a reasonable alternative to 'apocryphal'?

The words legendary and apocryphal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, legendary suggests the elaboration of invented details and distortion of historical facts produced by popular tradition. // the legendary exploits of Davy Crockett

Q: In what contexts can 'mythical' take the place of 'apocryphal'?

The meanings of mythical and apocryphal largely overlap; however, mythical implies a purely fanciful explanation of facts or the creation of beings and events out of the imagination. // mythical creatures

apocryphal

adjective

Definition of apocryphal next

as in speculative

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word apocryphal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of apocryphal are fabulous, fictitious, legendary, and mythical. While all these words mean "having the nature of something imagined or invented," apocryphal implies an unknown or dubious source or origin or may imply that the thing itself is dubious or inaccurate.

a book that repeats many apocryphal stories

When is fabulous a more appropriate choice than apocryphal?

In some situations, the words fabulous and apocryphal are roughly equivalent. However, fabulous stresses the marvelous or incredible character of something without necessarily implying impossibility or actual nonexistence.

a land of fabulous riches

When can fictitious be used instead of apocryphal?

The synonyms fictitious and apocryphal are sometimes interchangeable, but fictitious implies fabrication and suggests artificiality or contrivance more than deliberate falsification or deception.

fictitious characters

Where would legendary be a reasonable alternative to apocryphal?

The words legendary and apocryphal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, legendary suggests the elaboration of invented details and distortion of historical facts produced by popular tradition.

the legendary exploits of Davy Crockett

In what contexts can mythical take the place of apocryphal?

The meanings of mythical and apocryphal largely overlap; however, mythical implies a purely fanciful explanation of facts or the creation of beings and events out of the imagination.

mythical creatures

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of apocryphal Contract terms were not as readily available 75 years ago, so this may be apocryphal. —

Dan Freedman, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 The story is most likely apocryphal but so delightful that it has been repeated for decades. —

Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024 Whether or not that potentially apocryphal story holds up to scrutiny given the 300 SEL 6.3’s official top speed of 137 miles per hour, McQueen then immediately turned around and bought the car that crossed the auction block this past August. —

Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Alas, this story is apocryphal, according to Anderson, who claims it was all staged by Wilson’s mother. —

Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See all Example Sentences for apocryphal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apocryphal

Adjective

The meltdown of the office market in the years after the coronavirus outbreak, however, rendered a speculative office development unfeasible.

— George Avalos, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
Or does its unlikely real-world utility qualify it as an art project, meant to exist mostly in the realm of the speculative, or of aspirational ideals?

— Oskar Oprey, Artforum, 28 Jan. 2025